Previous Chapter Full Page Full Page Next Chapter

Genesis 20 :: New English Translation (NET)

Gen 20:1Abraham journeyed from there to the Negev region and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he lived as a temporary resident in Gerar,
Gen 20:2Abraham said about his wife Sarah, "She is my sister." So Abimelech, king of Gerar, sent for Sarah and took her.
Gen 20:3But God appeared to Abimelech in a dream at night and said to him, "You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken, for she is someone else's wife."
Gen 20:4Now Abimelech had not gone near her. He said, "Lord, would you really slaughter an innocent nation?
Gen 20:5Did Abraham not say to me, 'She is my sister'? And she herself said, 'He is my brother.' I have done this with a clear conscience and with innocent hands!"
Gen 20:6Then in the dream God replied to him, "Yes, I know that you have done this with a clear conscience. That is why I have kept you from sinning against me and why I did not allow you to touch her.
Gen 20:7But now give back the man's wife. Indeed he is a prophet and he will pray for you; thus you will live. But if you don't give her back, know that you will surely die along with all who belong to you."
Gen 20:8Early in the morning Abimelech summoned all his servants. When he told them about all these things, they were terrified.
Gen 20:9Abimelech summoned Abraham and said to him, "What have you done to us? What sin did I commit against you that would cause you to bring such great guilt on me and my kingdom? You have done things to me that should not be done!"
Gen 20:10Then Abimelech asked Abraham, "What prompted you to do this thing?"
Gen 20:11Abraham replied, "Because I thought, 'Surely no one fears God in this place. They will kill me because of my wife.'
Gen 20:12What's more, she is indeed my sister, my father's daughter, but not my mother's daughter. She became my wife.
Gen 20:13When God made me wander from my father's house, I told her, 'This is what you can do to show your loyalty to me: Every place we go, say about me, "He is my brother."'"
Gen 20:14So Abimelech gave sheep, cattle, and male and female servants to Abraham. He also gave his wife Sarah back to him.
Gen 20:15Then Abimelech said, "Look, my land is before you; live wherever you please."
Gen 20:16To Sarah he said, "Look, I have given a thousand pieces of silver to your 'brother.' This is compensation for you so that you will stand vindicated before all who are with you."
Gen 20:17Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, as well as his wife and female slaves so that they were able to have children.
Gen 20:18For the LORD had caused infertility to strike every woman in the household of Abimelech because he took Sarah, Abraham's wife.
Translation Copyright Logo

The NET Bible®, New English Translation Copyright © 1996 By Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NET Bible® is a registered trademark The NET Bible® Logo, Service Mark Copyright © 1997 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Full copyright information is provided here. Visit the NET Bible website.

Pericope

Pericope taken from the NASB95 and has been graciously provided by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.

New American Standard Bible
Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995
by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif.
All rights reserved.

Genesis Chapter 20 — Additional Translations: